MOBILE library stops in Basingstoke could be withdrawn as part of a review to run the service more efficiently.

Hampshire County Council wants to ensure its mobile library service reaches as many people as efficiently as possible, and asked the public for their opinions. Today, Councillor Keith Chapman , executive member for culture and recreation, will consider the findings of the review and the proposal to remove 29 under-used mobile library stops.

The mobile library stops at 363 destinations in Hampshire, but 39 of these have fewer than two customers each or even none at all. Other stops, however, are very popular and would benefit from longer stays.

Of the 39 under-used stops, it is proposed that 29 are withdrawn. This includes six in Basingstoke and Deane – Ashmansworth, East Woodhay, St Mary Bourne, Ashford Hill, Pamber and Mortimer West End. The remaining 10 would be retained but include various changes – however none of these are in Basingstoke and Deane.

Another 14 stops that were not part of the consultation could also be changed. Cllr Chapman said: “A new, improved, and streamlined mobile library service was launched last summer as it had not been extensively reviewed in over two decades. We said that we would review the service one year on, and the feedback collected this summer has been an important part of work that aims to help shape a mobile library service that better meets the needs of Hampshire residents.”

The proposed changes will come into effect on October 22, subject to Cllr Chapman’s decision. A further consultation exercise will be held at the end of next year to review the planned changes being made this year.